The U.S. Department of Labor, headed by new Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, has decided not to defend the overtime rules finalized under the Obama administration.

Instead, the DOL will seek to begin a new rulemaking process, likely with a lower salary threshold for overtime exemptions.

Secretary of Labor Acosta said at his confirmation hearing that he wants to raise the salary-level threshold to an amount that reflects inflation: "somewhere around $33,000."

Susan Prince-HRhero.com

Temptation Trivia

With a length of over 218 feet, and a wing span wider than a football field, the H-4 Hercules holds the distinction of being the largest amphibious plane ever built. It's more commonly referred to by its nickname, given to it by critics, as a reference to the fact that it was made out of wood.

What is the nickname of this flying boat, and who is the millionaire businessman who spearheaded its development and construction?

If you know the answer, call or email your local branch office by noon this Friday. One winner in each branch will be chosen at random from those that answered correctly, and that person will get treats delivered.

Last issue answer: Sean Connery played James Bond before Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton played Bond after Moore.

Originally used by the military in WWII, the amphibious "Ducks" are now a common tourist attraction in Wisconsin Dells.

Contrary to popular belief the unusual name has nothing to do with the fact that they are equally at home on land or water, and it is not a military acronym. The designation DUKW are actually the original GMC nomenclature for the manufacturing code of the vehicle with D standing for 1942, U for utility (amphibious), K for all-wheel drive, and W for 2 powered rear axles.

The first "duck tour" company was started in 1946 by Mel Flath in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The company is still in operation under the name Original Wisconsin Ducks.

Celebrating Over 40 Years of Staffing Excellence!

Feds Withdraw Joint Employer Rules

The Department of Labor announced the withdrawal of its

Administrative Interpretations (AIs) on joint employers and independent contractors in a move that gives employers some hope that the aggressive, pro-employee enforcement agenda of the agency's previous administration is coming to an end.

In the initial interpretation on joint employers, the DOL had taken the position that many business partnerships - including those involving staffing agencies and employers - may fall into the category of "joint employer."

In the case of joint employers, all common businesses are liable for any FLSA violations. With the guidance on ICs, the feds said most contractors would likely fall under the expansive definition of "employee" under the FLSA.

The DOL didn't give any specific reasoning for the withdrawal of the Obama-era Administrative Interpretations, but noted that the AI's were informal guidance, not rules.

According to the feds, the withdrawal "does not change the legal responsibilities of employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act."

One Minute Ideas

Mental Fitness Tips

Dedicating even a short time every day to your mental fitness will reap significant benefits in terms of feeling rejuvenated and more confident. Here are some simple ways to practice mental fitness:

Daydream - Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a dream location. Whether it's a beach, a mountaintop, a hushed forest or a favorite room from your past, let the comforting environment wrap you in a sensation of peace and tranquility.

"Collect" positive emotional moments - Make it a point to recall times when you have experienced pleasure, comfort, tenderness, confidence, or other positive emotions.

Learn ways to cope with negative thoughts - Negative thoughts can be insistent and loud. Try distracting yourself or comforting yourself, if you can't solve the problem right away.

Do one thing at a time - For example, when you are out for a walk or spending time with friends, turn off your cell phone and stop making that mental "to do" list. Take in all the sights, sounds and smells you encounter.

Exercise - Regular physical activity improves psychological well-being and can reduce depression and anxiety. Joining an exercise group or a gym can also reduce loneliness, since it connects you with a new set of people sharing a common goal.

Enjoy hobbies - Taking up a hobby brings balance to your life by allowing you to do something you enjoy because you want to do it, free of the pressure of everyday tasks. It also keeps your brain active.

Set personal goals - Goals don't have to be ambitious. You might decide to finish that book you started three years ago; to take a walk around the block every day; or to call your friends instead of waiting for the phone to ring. Whatever goal you set, reaching it will build confidence and a sense of satisfaction.

Keep a journal - Expressing yourself after a stressful day can help you gain perspective, release tension and even boost your body's resistance to illness.

Share humor - Life often gets too serious, so when you hear or see something that makes you smile or laugh, share it with someone you know.

Volunteer - Volunteering is called the "win-win" activity because helping others makes us feel good about ourselves. At the same time, it widens our social network, provides us with new learning experiences and can bring balance to our lives.

Treat yourself well - Cook yourself a good meal. Have a bubble bath. See a movie. Call a friend or relative you haven't talked to in ages. Whatever it is, do it just for you.

Canadian Mental Health Association

Recipe

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

Ingredients

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 cup warm water

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1/4 teaspoon honey

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

In a cold medium skillet, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and the black pepper. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes or until aromatic, but before the garlic browns. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir a few times then let sit for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of the flour and a 1/4 cup of the infused garlic-olive oil mixture. Stir 3 to 4 times until the flour has moistened. Let sit for another 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Once the dough comes together, transfer to a floured board and knead the dough 10 to 15 times until smooth. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover with a warm, damp towel and let rise for 1 hour in a warmer area of your kitchen.

After 1 hour, heat oven to 450 degrees. Use two tablespoons of the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture to oil a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet then press it down into the pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough then drizzle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the garlic-olive oil mixture. Let the dough rise for 20 minutes until it puffs slightly. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool baked focaccia bread on a wire rack.

Inspirational Quote

If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles. - Dr. Wayne Dyer